Mastering the pronunciation of popular foods will enable you to avoid misunderstandings or the classic response, "What did you say?" making sure that English native speakers understand you. In this blog post, I will guide you through the correct pronunciation of foods like croissant, crêpe, pizza, lasagna, pain au chocolat, ricotta, mozzarella, feta, and spaghetti.
Read MoreAmerican leaders are known for their ability to make quick on-the-fly decisions without necessarily involving the entire team. This approach is driven by two main factors: a) Americans highly value flexibility and adaptability, prioritizing finding practical solutions rather than seeking the one perfect solution; b) they embrace trial and error methods, viewing decisions as adjustable goalposts as the project progresses. This stands in contrast to cultures that are more process and rule-oriented, where decisions require lengthy deliberation and are often viewed as set in stone.
Read MoreAmericans love to go big. From huge trucks to enormous cereal boxes, the American way of life embraces a culture of abundance and grandeur. It's a country where ginormous food portions layering flavor on top of flavor are immensely popular (hello, chili fries and pumpkin chocolate cheesecake!), where houses in the suburbs sometimes truly deserve to be called MacMansions, where trucks better fit for a wilderness expedition than daily life are found on city streets and highways alike, and where stores sell huge packages of cereal next to burgers the size of a human’s head.
Read MoreIn this article, we will dive into the key characteristics of US negotiation style and explore seven English vocabulary examples that illustrate how American culture is put into action in its communication style.
Read MoreAmerican culture is well-known for its expressions of exaggerated positivity and optimism. From Business English to casual conversations, hyperbole, the use of exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, permeates American culture. However, for non-native English speakers, it can often lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Read MoreAmerican culture, as a whole, is widely recognized for its common use of hyperbole (the art of exaggeration). Whether in political rhetoric or advertising slogans, hyperbole plays a significant role in American communication. Words like "amazing" and "fantastic" are frequently employed, along with statements such as "I love it!" even in everyday conversations; often to the confusion of foreigners thinking: “Do these people really always love everyone and everything?”
Read MoreWhen it comes to presentations and negotiations, different cultures often exhibit distinct approaches. These very different mindsets can have a profound impact. In this article, I will explore the contrast between these two cultural perspectives and highlight five vocabulary and idiomatic examples in English to showcase these differences further.
Read MoreThis article teaches you ten useful American business phrasal verbs that will not only help you navigate the intricacies of professional communication but also enhance your understanding of U.S. culture. Whether you're an entrepreneur, or an employee incorporating these phrases into your vocabulary will give you a competitive edge.
Read MoreI start most of my English and U.S. culture coaching sessions with small talk to help my clients practice this very important skill; a tool, if used right, can make all the difference between success and failure in America. That’s why I have decided to write about small talk today to provide English and cultural tips about small talk and increase my readers’ U.S. culture and English fluency.
Read MorePicture this! You are in a meeting with your American counterpart, and they mention grabbing coffee with you in the future, but you're not sure if they will actually follow through with it. In this article, I will give you some tips on how to ensure that your American counterpart will do what they told you they were going to do.
Read MoreTo compete on a global scale, you will need to stand out and using the right Business English phrases can make all the difference. In this blog post, I will share some examples of powerful phrases for a dynamic sales pitch, as well as cultural codes to keep in mind.
Read MoreAs an English and U.S. culture teacher, I have noticed that many of my clients struggle with a fear of making mistakes and a desire for perfectionism. These obstacles can create a significant impediment to effective language learning, as students may be hesitant to take risks and try new things for fear of making errors. As a coach my goal is to create a supportive and encouraging environment where my clients feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. By embracing imperfection and focusing on the journey rather than the destination, I believe that my clients can develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their language learning journey.
Read MoreIn the world of American business, sports idioms are as commonplace as cultural expressions of positivity and enthusiasm. Both are often used to navigate an environment characterized by competitiveness, and urgency. However, for non-native speakers of English, this can be difficult to understand and can even lead to cultural misunderstandings.
Read MoreAs an English teacher and coach with a cultural focus, I have encountered various situations where language and culture caused misunderstandings. In this blog post, I will share four real-life examples from the business world to illustrate how incorrect pitch and intonation can have a negative impact on business relationships.
Read MoreIdioms are a fascinating part of the English language. They can add flavor and depth to our communication, helping us convey complex ideas in a simple and memorable way. In this article, we will focus on idioms related to construction and farming/gardening that are commonly used in Business English.
Read MoreIn this blog post, we'll discuss ten English phrasal verbs that are commonly used during business meetings and negotiations that will boost your Business English skills. You will find examples of each phrasal verb in a dialogue below to help you understand how to use them in context. I cannot emphasize enough how important phrasal verbs are for English learners, especially international professionals who want to engage in meetings with native English speakers on equal footing. Your business success can depend on your English language skills (and cultural expertise).
Read MoreAs an English learner, one of the essential skills you need to master in American Business English is phrasal verbs. These are two or three-word phrases that include a verb and a particle or preposition. They're very common and can be challenging to understand because they're idiomatic, meaning their meaning is not always apparent from their individual words.
Read MoreAppealing to American audiences in a sales pitch or presentation can be challenging, but there are several key strategies that can help.
Read MoreIn conversation, when interrupting someone, you always walk a fine line between acceptable behavior and what is perceived as rude. You will have to consider context when deciding whether to interrupt or not.
Read MoreThe U.S. is a low context culture characterized by an assertive and direct communication style. Clarity is key! Your conversation counterpart expects that you mean what you say. Precision and getting straight to the point are valued.
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